The Denver Nuggets have experienced a significant boost in performance following their trade of Dario Saric for Jonas Valanciunas. This deal, executed in July, has allowed the Nuggets to enhance their depth and effectiveness, particularly during crucial moments of the season.
Jokic’s Emotional Bench Reaction
During a recent game against the Atlanta Hawks, the team witnessed a cathartic moment when Valanciunas executed a powerful go-ahead dunk. Nikola Jokic, typically a calm presence, reacted with enthusiasm from the bench, showcasing a rare glimpse of his emotional engagement alongside younger teammates. “Everybody had a little moment (in the run),” Jokic remarked afterward. This reaction emphasized the positive impact Valanciunas has made since joining the Nuggets.
Valanciunas’s Arrival and Impact
The Nuggets have long sought a reliable backup center to support Jokic, and the acquisition of Valanciunas has proven fruitful. Previously, Saric was seen as the primary backup but fell short of expectations, appearing in only 16 games last season while earning a salary of $5.2 million. The Kings, seeking to clear cap space, accepted Saric’s contract, enabling Denver to acquire Valanciunas without parting with any draft capital.
Valanciunas, who has already played in all 24 games this season, represents a significant upgrade. His contributions have been evident as he averages 8.5 points in just 12.8 minutes per game. More impressively, his per-36-minute scoring rate of 23.9 points marks one of the highest in his career outside of his standout 2018-19 season.
Performance Metrics
Valanciunas’s shooting efficiency has also been noteworthy. He is currently hitting 58.9% of his shots from the field and 61.1% on two-pointers. His effectiveness in the post has seen him achieve 1.14 points per possession on 51 post-ups, ranking him among the top scorers in this category.
The team’s performance metrics reveal the impact Valanciunas has had when Jokic is off the floor. The Nuggets’ net rating in these situations is currently at minus 1.5, a significant improvement over last season’s minus 9.3. This enhancement showcases Valanciunas’s ability to stabilize the team, allowing them to maintain competitiveness even without their star player.
Looking Ahead
Head coach David Adelman expressed confidence in Valanciunas’s ability to contribute effectively to the team’s success. The 33-year-old Lithuanian center has embraced his role, recognizing this season as a prime opportunity to pursue an NBA championship—something that has eluded him throughout his career.
In their recent matchup against the Kings, Valanciunas scored 15 points on a perfect shooting night, further solidifying his status as a key player for the Nuggets. His performance, combined with Jokic’s impressive 36 points, showcased the potential for a formidable frontcourt duo.
As the Nuggets continue their campaign, the synergy created through the trade of Saric for Valanciunas reflects a strategic move that has already begun to pay dividends. The team’s management, led by Ben Tenzer and Jon Wallace, appears to have successfully navigated the complexities of roster adjustments, ultimately improving the squad’s depth and performance on the court.
The Nuggets are well-positioned to make a strong push as the season progresses, with Valanciunas playing a critical role in their quest for success.
